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Gov. Rick Perry Signs Legislation Banning Animal Shelter Gas Chambers

Texas, one of America’s strictest states when it comes to the death penalty, has softened its stance in regards to how animals can be put down.

Recently, Governor Rick Perry signed into effect legislation banning the use of gas chambers that use either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide to put down animals.

According to the American Humane Organization, animal gas chambers are inhumane methods to end an animal’s life and are also harmful to humans. Animals being put down at shelter gas chambers often stay alive for as long as 25 to 30 minutes – having to endure trauma, stress and pain throughout the process.

By contrast, lethal injections of sodium pentobarbital can cause unconsciousness in an animal within just a few seconds.

“This new law will put to an end a method of animal euthanasia that is recognized as cruel, expensive and unsafe,” Josh Havens, a spokesman for Gov. Perry stated. “By signing this bill into law, Gov. Perry was proud to add Texas to a growing list of states that outlaw gas chamber euthanasia for shelter dogs and stray cats.”

According to a report published by the Examiner, prior to the 2003 Texas Euthanasia Act implementing gas chambers unwanted pets could be shot, strangled, clubbed, or drowned.

Per the Humane Society of the United States, roughly three to four million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year.